**WASHINGTON COUNTY

FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Established in 1994, the Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Program, also known as the farmland preservation program, purchases agricultural easements on productive farms in Washington County. Landowners retain private ownership of the property and may still use, lease, or sell the property. Any new owner shall abide by the terms of the easement which limits subdivision, non-agricultural development, and other uses inconsistent with commercial agriculture.

 WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION BOARD 

The Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Board is comprised of seven volunteer members who serve three-year terms.  Appointments to the Board are made by the Washington County Commissioners.  Representation includes three active farmers, one elected municipal official, one builder, and two members-at-large, in accordance with state law. Current board members are Bill Iams, Chairman; Bob O’Brien, Vice Chairman; Jeremy Matinko, Treasurer; Bill Paxton; Wayne Hunnell; Earl Sadler; and Rich Shriver. 

Meetings

• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023**
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2023
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2023
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023**
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2023**
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2023**
• 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 8, 2023
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2023
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2023
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Location:        Washington County Conservation District                                                                                         50 Old Hickory Ridge Road                                                                                                               Washington, Pennsylvania 15301 

 Board meetings are open to the public. 

** Meeting canceled

FUNDING

Funding for the program comes from both the County and State.  Under the program, counties may allocate funding for the easement purchase program.  By law, all the interest collected on clean and green rollback tax penalties must be designated for use by the county program.  These funds receive a match from the State. Funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is generated from cigarette taxes, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, and other sources.

PROGRAM STATUS

As of April 2023, the Agricultural Land Preservation Board has preserved 7,200 acres of farmland on 47 farms in  Washington County. Statewide, there are 6,202 preserved farms in 58 participating counties: 624,277 acres total.
 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are due by September 30 for consideration the following year.  

1.  Review the Washington County Farmland Preservation Policies and Bylaws for program criteria, minimum requirements, landowner responsibilities, etc. 
2. Download the Landowner Application Packet.  Applications are also available at the Washington County Planning Commission. 
3. Submit completed Landowner Application Packet to:    

Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Board                                                                 c/o Washington County Planning Commission                                                                                 100 W. Beau Street, Suite 701                                                                                                     Washington, Pennsylvania 15301